ISLE of Man Steam Packet Services in May were hammered by the loss of the TT races, new figures reveal.

ISLE of Man Steam Packet Services in May were hammered by the loss of the TT races, new figures reveal.

Vehicle traffic slumped by 28pc compared with the previous year as motorbike enthusiasts stayed away in droves. In addition, passenger numbers were also down, by a more modest 5pc.

The slump due to foot-and-mouth scares follows growth in business to Ireland and the Isle of Man over a sustained period.

Steam Packet managing director, Hamish Ross, said: "It is very disappointing to record these figures for the month of May, 2001, after repeatedly reporting outstanding growth in all our areas of operation over a long period of time.

"This is entirely down to the cancellation of the TT Races, a decision which was out of our control.

"The impact on all businesses involved in tourism/leisure on the Island has been damaging. This cancellation will also affect our June carryings.

"Our company is, however, leading a major TV, radio and press campaign, backed by the entire Manx tourist industry, aimed at getting over the message that the island is very much open for business.

"There is little doubt that the underlying business is still very strong, but that we are being negatively affected by the cancellation of some special events on the island."

Year to date figures show that passenger traffic has increased by 0.9pc at 175,899 compared with 174,409 in 2000.

The company runs services from Liverpool and Heysham to Dublin, Belfast and the Isle of Man.